Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Roads Contracts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

34 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has satisfied himself that the current system of tendering for contracts on national primary or national secondary routes is the most efficient and cost effective; if he has further satisfied himself that such tenders are adequately tested prior to being awarded; if supervision is adequate during the course of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

Contracts for works on national roads are awarded in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Department of Finance in the booklet entitled "An Outline of Government Contracts Procedures". These guidelines, which are currently being reviewed by the Department of Finance, are in accordance with national and EU law and are designed. overall, to achieve equity, transparency and value for money.

While contracts for works on national roads will continue to be awarded, in the generality of cases, by the road authorities, the National Roads Authority now has overall responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads, including general responsibility for ensuring that the contract award process is properly operated. The authority will agree the appropriate level of supervisory staff on such contracts.

I have stressed to the authority the need to ensure that the best value for money is obtained from our investment in national roads. I have no doubt that, for this purpose, the authority will satisfy themselves as to the effectiveness and efficiency of the tendering system for contracts and that they will ensure adequate supervision of the implementation of contracts.